Summary : Starting in Punta Arenas, this expedition will introduce you to the natural beauty of Patagonia before crossing of the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest, and cleanest continent on Earth. You will be amazed by giant tabular icebergs, drifting and broken off from the brim of the Antarctic mainland. With no permanent human inhabitants, the continent is home to millions of penguins, seals and whales. From deck, you might see shoals of penguins swimming out to sea to hunt for krill, or the torpedo-like leopard seal patrolling the shorelines. Be sure to keep a sharp eye out for the spouting of humpback whales.

PRICING

The capital of Chile is exciting and diverse. There is a lot to discover here, from the Andean glaciers at the city borders, tall mountains and skyscrapers to quiet parks, colonial architecture, bohemian quarters and the fast-flowing Mapacho River. Your adventure starts with an overnight hotel stay here.

Enjoy cruising through the Beagle Channel, with channels, fjords and mountains plunging straight into the icy water. This wild and remote area seems almost undisturbed by humans. The ice has scoured its way between the mountains, leaving isolated islands and hidden bays and creating the unique fjord landscape of Chile.

As you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the air becomes crisper and colder. Antarctic penguins begin to appear in the water, and the first icebergs drift by. When opportunities arise, you will have the option of launching in kayaks or going on unforgettable hikes to explore one of the most beautiful, untouched places on the planet—all in true expedition style. Depending on the weather and ice conditions you might visit Deception Island, where you can join the expedition team for a hike on this ring-shaped volcanic caldera. Hiking on an active volcano is a rarity, and being in Antarctica makes it even more special. Half Moon Island is a paradise for photographers with its rich wildlife set against scenic backgrounds and Antarctic highlights. If you visit the Antarctic Sound you will see an astonishing number of icebergs—and Adelie penguins. Brown Bluff's birdlife and nature is amazing, and taking an ice cruise with small boats in the Lemaire Channel is considered a can't miss experience. Set foot on the Antarctic mainland in Neko Harbour and visit a former British research base in Port Lockroy, see Paradise Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay. You will also try to sail through the spectacular Grandidier channel, towards Crystal Sound—crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33?46.3? S. This is an adventure that few others can claim!

After spending some amazing days in Antarctica you will have a chance to recap everything you have experienced so far. Make sure you spend some time on deck looking for wildlife and join the lectures to learn more about our next destination: the Falkland Islands.

Having just been in Antarctica, it might seem a bit surreal to arrive in a town that looks like a miniature England, with red phone boxes, red buses and English pubs. Stanley is the capital on the Falkland Islands. Roam the city streets, the town is easy enough to discover in a day on foot, or join one of the excursions to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surroundings. The Falklands are teeming with wonders of wildlife and nature. This is an unpolluted environment with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white sand beaches. As you reach the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands you will see remote farms that have been family owned for six or seven generations. The sheep graze alongside immense colonies of albatross and rockhopper penguins, while predatory striated caracaras patrol overhead and upland geese forage at the water’s edge. Bird lovers will rejoice if you go ashore on Carcass Island. This is a bird paradise with several ducks, geese, penguins, albatrosses, caracaras, and wrens. It is also one of few islands down here with trees. You will use small boats to go ashore for exploring, hiking or take a closer look at all the birds.

You will arrive back in Punta Arenas in the morning. After the flight back to Santiago de Chile, you can extend your vacation with a post voyage extension to experience the impressive region.

Notes

The above itinerary is a guide only, as the exact program depends on weather and ice conditions and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. ExpeditionTrips is not responsible for itinerary changes.

Travel Insurance: Although travel insurance is not mandatory to participate in this voyage, ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends at least $200,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage for Antarctic trips which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. Other conditions may apply based on pre-existing conditions. ExpeditionTrips can assist U.S. residents with travel protection options.

Included:Economy-class flights between Santiago, Chile, and Punta Arenas, Chile; one hotel night in Santiago, Chile, before the voyage, including breakfast; transfer from hotel to airport in Santiago, Chile; transfers in Punta Arenas, including orientation tour; landings with small boats and activities onboard and onshore; professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures and accompanies landings and activities; complimentary tea and coffee; gear on loan (Muck Boot rubber boots); complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket; shipboard accommodations; all meals onboard the ship. Additional inclusions for Expedition Suites: Amenity kit, bathrobe, and an in-suite espresso maker. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included:Airfare not detailed in the inclusions; transfers not detailed in the inclusions; passport and visa fees; travel insurance; luggage handling; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks except as mentioned; mini bar replenishment; optional excursions and gratuities; items of a personal nature such as laundry; walking sticks and binoculars can be rented for an additional charge; fuel surcharge may apply.

The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy, and serve as a guideline only. Fares are capacity controlled and will increase from the minimum rate to the maximum rate as the sailing date approaches. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for exact rates.

Roald Amundsen

Overview : Scheduled for launch in October 2018, the MS Roald Amundsen is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel with brand-new environmentally sustainable hybrid technology. The ship’s electrical propulsion system allows travelers to sail silently along the ice edge in the Arctic or Antarctica on clean energy, heralding a future of cleaner, quieter expedition travel in the world’s most beautiful remote destinations. She features beautifully designed public spaces, including a high-tech and immersive science center, three Norwegian-inspired restaurants, and 100% outside-view cabins with natural Scandinavian materials like granite, oak, birch, and wool, for a comfortable, modern expedition experience.

NOTE: This ship is NEW for the 2018 season! As with any new vessel, we strongly suggest selecting a departure date at least six weeks after launch. Please ask for details.

Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX).

Credit Card Charges: The shipping company is not responsible for any charges applied to credit card transactions and will not refund or return any fees charged by third parties and incurred during the transaction of the tour cost.

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All modifications or cancellations must be in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Cancellation Penalties:

61 days or more prior to departure: Cancellation fee equal to the 20% non-refundable deposit60-42 days: 30% of the total trip cost41-28 days: 60% of the total trip cost27-14 days: 90% of the total trip costLess than 14 days: No refund

Cancellation Policy is subject to change without notice.

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.